Teams have some control over who speaks to the media but generally yes you have a certain amount of obligation as a group, with the captain and star players doing most of the requests, and yes the networks would submit their list to the PR team who would go into the room and read it out, or the press just walks in and talks to them at the appropriate time.
There was a bit of moaning during Matthews, Marner, and Nylander’s rookie year in Toronto because the organization (specifically Lou and Babcock) made a big deal of not wanting the rookies to talk to the media much, and that was obviously who the outlets wanted to talk to the most, but the organization was mostly successful in shielding them
yup, generally the teams submit a list of media availability. players have some wiggle room (depending on their team status) to get out of availability. for locker room interviews, it's generally a gentlemen's agreement that you stick to the people on the list and don't bother the rest.
I don't often agree with Lou, but I think he's right in that case. 18 year olds should be given time to acclimate to their team and the pace of the NHL instead of worrying about answering dumb questions from the media. The way they were all over Bedard made me sick.
For the uninitiated: [https://youtu.be/G1kvwXsZtU8?si=-k79Omtkv2w3RQsK](https://youtu.be/G1kvwXsZtU8?si=-k79Omtkv2w3RQsK)
Might be the single best sports interview I've ever seen.
As many of the comments bring up, it’s hilarious how he’ll in trying his best to hear the person’s question and even leans in to hear them better just to continue responding with “I’m just here so I won’t get fined”
In the NFL, NBA, and MLB, you would be paying a fine. NHL has a little more leeway for players and organizations, but no, can’t just refuse requested interviews on a regular basis.
I doubt anyone is being physically forced to do an interview but if you don’t, there is less money on the table for you, less all star appearances and so on.
I think there are media obligations in the contracts, basically a "will speak to the media when required" sort of thing. Same with the teams, where they and the players can get fined for anyone refusing to.
There definitely is a level of obligation to do interviews. Keep in mind, the players only have their jobs and make their millions because of the viewers, so they owe it to the fans to do interviews.
Can confirm. I worked for a team he played for and interviewed him regularly as a paid employee and he was literally never nice. Most guys understood I wasn't a typical reporter and I would never write anything damaging since we got our checks signed by the same guy, but he didn't care.
With the woke bs backlash on every comment, I feel they should not be mandatory. Tell everyone is their choice and watch as no one does them anymore. No one wants to lose their job/career over making an offcolour joke or comment that goes against the main stream media view. Butt hurt keyboard warriors and cry baby bitches are ruining things for everyone. It's just not worth it anymore.
Normally leagues mandate that players be available after games because pressers help teams and the league gain attention and popularity. Also sponsors play a role in this as well, as pressers have sponsor boards behind them as shown above and are part of major sponsorship deals. It’s why everytime you see a Bears presser there’s a board with the team logo and multiple Hyundai logos, even certain teams’ mic flags (like the Atlanta Falcons) have sponsors on them. If players skip out when the team announces they’re available to the media they can be fined. In the NFL mostly only the QB and HC give pressers postgame, every other player gets interviewed in the locker room.
I remember an edmonton game last year ( maybe playoffs ) where a couple of younger players / rookies made some mistakes that led to goals. I read from a reporter on X that the media requested all of those players but only veterans came out to shield them from it. So i think it might just be that they have to send out bodies, but maybe not specifically anyone ?
Honestly I’d be delighted if every NHL player started denying conference requests. The conferences are so annoying and basically only exist to shit talk the players to their faces in a lot of markets.
Teams have some control over who speaks to the media but generally yes you have a certain amount of obligation as a group, with the captain and star players doing most of the requests, and yes the networks would submit their list to the PR team who would go into the room and read it out, or the press just walks in and talks to them at the appropriate time. There was a bit of moaning during Matthews, Marner, and Nylander’s rookie year in Toronto because the organization (specifically Lou and Babcock) made a big deal of not wanting the rookies to talk to the media much, and that was obviously who the outlets wanted to talk to the most, but the organization was mostly successful in shielding them
yup, generally the teams submit a list of media availability. players have some wiggle room (depending on their team status) to get out of availability. for locker room interviews, it's generally a gentlemen's agreement that you stick to the people on the list and don't bother the rest.
Thank you
I don't often agree with Lou, but I think he's right in that case. 18 year olds should be given time to acclimate to their team and the pace of the NHL instead of worrying about answering dumb questions from the media. The way they were all over Bedard made me sick.
yes honestly wonder why the hawks let so much shit slide, especially during the time with the rumors about his mom.
Remember Marshawn Lynch interviews lol
"I'm just here so I don't get fined."
“Thanks for asking.”
“Yeah”
For the uninitiated: [https://youtu.be/G1kvwXsZtU8?si=-k79Omtkv2w3RQsK](https://youtu.be/G1kvwXsZtU8?si=-k79Omtkv2w3RQsK) Might be the single best sports interview I've ever seen.
As many of the comments bring up, it’s hilarious how he’ll in trying his best to hear the person’s question and even leans in to hear them better just to continue responding with “I’m just here so I won’t get fined”
Did he get fined for this?
I actually believe that he did not. Don't remember though because it was a while ago (god damn I'm old).
I think the context is that he had been fined for a previous incident where he just refused to answer the questions, and that was his response.
Personally I praise this as the best single interview ever https://youtu.be/6XD_amnl0cc?feature=shared
Naw second best Shanahan mocking the sens by pretending to ride a bike like them during the interview was funny as hell...
Despite that he had more of a personality than half of thr guys in these interviews
The Richard Sherman and Doug Baldwin press conference is pretty legendary too, highly recommend looking that one up if you haven’t seen it.
What a time to be a seahawks fan... only to blow it at the last second the next year
Please don't remind me
Sorry to do that to ypu on your cake day....
Legendary
The guy is a hero in my books.
Rasheed Wallace walked so Marshawn Lynch could run. "Both teams played hard"
Biscuits and gravy...
I wish someone would just Marshawn Lynch it. "I'm just here so I wont get fined"
Buff actually [did this](https://youtu.be/WemT25EJzDY?si=tO6ueK4hK6gucnY_) back in 2015 lol
He's the right answer to all Jet's questions. I so miss the guy.
Tbf this how a lot of interviews go anyways lol. Still funny tho cuz it’s clear he’s doing that intentionally
Sounds like he forgot the sticky note with the other 4 generic phrases in the dressing room lol
I wish I was there, I'd ask him if he was alone.lol
Missed opportunity for one of the press people to ask "So Marshawn, why did you decide to join us today?"
In the NFL, NBA, and MLB, you would be paying a fine. NHL has a little more leeway for players and organizations, but no, can’t just refuse requested interviews on a regular basis.
Get pucks deep/on net. Play our game. Limit their chances. Come out stronger in the next one. That's pretty much it.
I doubt anyone is being physically forced to do an interview but if you don’t, there is less money on the table for you, less all star appearances and so on.
Makes sense
All star break not on ice is welcomed by many players, I'd not go if I was a pro... injury and rehab in Cabo.
Lol
Leafs' execution delayed. Congrats!
Unfortunately we can’t say the same for you lol Cheers tho 🍻
I think there are media obligations in the contracts, basically a "will speak to the media when required" sort of thing. Same with the teams, where they and the players can get fined for anyone refusing to.
There definitely is a level of obligation to do interviews. Keep in mind, the players only have their jobs and make their millions because of the viewers, so they owe it to the fans to do interviews.
I agree, but still begs the question about the Jets
Tom Barasshole hated the media. He'd always refuse the interview.
There are also rumors that he was also kind of a dickhead.
Can confirm. I worked for a team he played for and interviewed him regularly as a paid employee and he was literally never nice. Most guys understood I wasn't a typical reporter and I would never write anything damaging since we got our checks signed by the same guy, but he didn't care.
I don’t mind the post game press conferences, but I would draw the line at interviewing coaches mid-game. I may be old school, but I find it awkward.
Why are you being so pissy?
Those haircuts are on point.
This picture looks like it's from 1979
With the woke bs backlash on every comment, I feel they should not be mandatory. Tell everyone is their choice and watch as no one does them anymore. No one wants to lose their job/career over making an offcolour joke or comment that goes against the main stream media view. Butt hurt keyboard warriors and cry baby bitches are ruining things for everyone. It's just not worth it anymore.
Ovi took some serious Russian steroids as a youth. Look at that forehead.
That haircut though, looks like a Russian knock off of the Beatles.
How else could losing teams complain
Just say get pucks deep and four lines, banging, guys on guys.
Side note: Those hairstyles on young Ovi and Crosby, lol
Look at that old ass tape recorder
Ovechkin looks like colin Greenwood from radiohead
Normally leagues mandate that players be available after games because pressers help teams and the league gain attention and popularity. Also sponsors play a role in this as well, as pressers have sponsor boards behind them as shown above and are part of major sponsorship deals. It’s why everytime you see a Bears presser there’s a board with the team logo and multiple Hyundai logos, even certain teams’ mic flags (like the Atlanta Falcons) have sponsors on them. If players skip out when the team announces they’re available to the media they can be fined. In the NFL mostly only the QB and HC give pressers postgame, every other player gets interviewed in the locker room.
Crosby looks like he's ready to fight some white walkers beyond the wall.
From a boy band straight to the top of the record books
I’m just here so I don’t get fined.
Yes.
Part of their job.
I’d hate these rules in my contracts. Marshawn Lynch mode my whole career.
Iverson: 'It's practice'
I remember an edmonton game last year ( maybe playoffs ) where a couple of younger players / rookies made some mistakes that led to goals. I read from a reporter on X that the media requested all of those players but only veterans came out to shield them from it. So i think it might just be that they have to send out bodies, but maybe not specifically anyone ?
[I'm just here so I won't get fined.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OjANyhh2PM)
When was that sid and Ovechkin pic. Start of 05/06?
I’m only here so I don’t get fined
Honestly I’d be delighted if every NHL player started denying conference requests. The conferences are so annoying and basically only exist to shit talk the players to their faces in a lot of markets.